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Interview: Shelby Lynne
Shelby Lynne’s “Tears, Lies and Alibis” aches (“Alibi”) and escapes (“Something to Be Said”) with sunrise elegance. The Grammy winner and recent major label defector previewed her most seamless collection two months ago at South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival. “We always like Austin, and it’s one of our great music cities,” Lynne says, “but we were in and out really fast at (this year’s) South by Southwest.” The 41-year-old songwriter returns Wednesday to perform at St. David’s Episcopal Church.
American-Statesman: Explain the geographical significance behind the opening track (`Rains Came’).
Shelby Lynne: Well, I live in the California desert where it never rains. So, when it did, I got inspired because I love the rain. It came out this kooky, weird, quirky tune. … It turned out good.
Is it fair to say personal experience is essential to your songwriting?
It is essential, because it’s all I know. If I don’t get deep within myself, I’m not going to write anything that’s worth a damn. I don’t have a problem sharing my feelings.
The new album sounds (recorded) live. Was it?
Oh, yeah. I recorded my guitars and vocals first and layered a record around it by choosing the pickers one by one and adding flavors here and there. I recorded it here in my home studio in California, and then at my buddy Brian (Harrison)’s in Nashville. So, it’s got two geographically different stickers on it.
Did you intend to produce it yourself?
That was never my plan; I did it out of necessity. But I don’t dislike (producing), because I like tooling around in the studio with equipment and gear. I guess the best thing is that it gives me the freedom to do whatever in the hell I want to do.
How did releasing it on your own label (Everso Records) factor into that?
I’ve talked about doing this for years, but I hadn’t really sat down and gathered the resources. I don’t think I knew how easy it was gonna be. But, yeah, I’ve had it with the major label thing. I’ve done it for 20 years, and it’s been a long time coming for me to do my own thing. It feels right.
It seems to be the trend.
That’s good news. I hope that it’s the trend. The major label thing needs to go away. It’s not helpful for any artist, unless you’re so huge that you’re part of the machine. Someone like me who doesn’t sell a lot of records and relies on the road and songwriting to get the bills paid, this is the only way to go.
Is it a challenge without marketing and promotion from a major label?
I have no problem with that at all. Just hire the right people: I hired a marketing person who blows away all the labels I’ve ever been on.
As a performer, what does an intimate gig like this allow?
It allows you to really let the song and lyrics do the talking.
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By Ana Roland
May 20, 2010 12:50 AM | Link to this
Only in Austin! What a rare and incredible experience to hear Shelby Lynn sing “LIVE” in the intimacy of the setting at St. David’s Episcopal Church…It felt like I was one of the priveleged few to have this opportunity for a private performance by an amazing artist I have admired for many years. Her soaring talent was palpable in the heartbreak of her voice. No one wanted the night to end.